Permobil outlines ambitious sustainability commitments and aims to drive workplace diversity
Wheelchair manufacturer Permobil has announced its seven sustainability focus areas, which include two key performance indicators specific to its business of improving the quality of life for the people who use its products and driving workplace diversity, as well as reducing its carbon dioxide emissions.
As a purpose-led company, Permobil stated that it has always been driven by social responsibility. The company is now taking the next step on its sustainability journey, formalizing its approach with seven sustainability focus areas.
Permobil’s President and CEO, Bengt Thorsson commented: “Our purpose of innovating for individuals shapes everything we do. It takes a long-term commitment. We believe we have a special obligation to stakeholders now and in the future to continuously improve – and that means we will always do better.”
Within sustainability, Permobil has stated that it aims to drive continuous improvements to keep doing better for society. These include improving quality of life and ensuring the highest standards of product quality, service and safety; building a safe and respectful workplace with diversity and inclusion as its hallmarks; minimizing its impact on the environment; and sustaining strong business ethics and responsible sourcing.
The manufacturer has stated that it will report the results of its ambitious key performance indicators in its annual Sustainability Report.
During 2021, Permobil has stated that it has been defining its KPIs, which include a decision to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide emissions by 70 per cent by 2030; zero lost time workplace accidents and the continuing rollout of the Supplier Code of Conduct to embed the sustainability values with supply partners.
Bengt Thorsson commented: “Our products transform people’s lives. We want to be able to define and demonstrate the difference we make, and push continuous improvements so that we keep doing better. If we get this right, not only do we help those who use Permobil products but we will bring the rest of the industry with us.”
Emma Qvist, Vice President Human Resources for Permobil EMEA added: “We want to increase the inclusiveness of our workforce; increasing accessibility and removing physical and social barriers to ensure our staff is as diverse as possible. At Permobil, we believe it’s important to set the standard and lead the way for others.”
Permobil recently announced a partnership with the e-sports team Lilmix.Para so that it can contribute to its vision of a good and inclusive online environment that counteracts bullying online.
The manufacturer also made headlines when The Explorer Mini, a powered mobility solution for toddlers with mobility impairments, was recognized as a TIME Magazine Best Invention for 2021.